Al Jazeera English Moscow prefers diplomatic solution, but knows ‘time is on their side’ : Analysis

Russian political scientist Andrey Kortunov has told Al Jazeera that both Russia and Ukraine want to convince the US they are “not an obstacle to peace”, but that Moscow knows time is on its side as it makes slow but steady military advances.

“Definitely here in Moscow they would prefer to find a diplomatic answer … but I think the perception in Moscow is that time is on the Russian side, and therefore, the negotiating position of Ukraine is not likely to get any better anytime soon,” said Kortunov, who previously served as director general of the Russian International Affairs Council.

Kortunov said Moscow expects its battlefield gains to continue if no settlement is reached. However, he said he believes there is some room for negotiation on territory, with Russia potentially keeping control of some adjacent Ukrainian areas and then offering “minor” land swaps.

“At the end of the day, there might be a land swap – not a large one, but a minor land swap that would allow both sides to claim victory,” he told Al Jazeera.

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